What to watch for in WPIAL sports for April 9, 2024: North Hills looks to stay atop tough, balanced section

By: Don Rebel
Monday, April 8, 2024 | 9:30 PM

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The first time around, the most balanced and competitive section in WPIAL baseball was a split decision with one exception.

While defending Class 5A champion Shaler and Moon split two games, as did Mars and West Allegheny, North Hills sits atop the Section 3-5A after a sweep of New Castle.

The Indians defeated the Red Hurricanes in a Saturday doubleheader, 10-2 and 8-6.

North Hills (2-0, 4-1) has a chance to remain alone on top in the first game of this week’s section series when it hosts Mars (1-1, 3-1) at Herb Field in Ross Township.

The Fightin’ Planets split a pair of one-run games last week, beating West A on Wednesday, 4-3, before falling to the Indians the next day, 6-5.

A year ago, North Hills swept Mars, winning by scores of 5-4 and 3-0.

That turned out to be the difference in the standings as well as North Hills finished in second place behind eventual champion Shaler, one game ahead of both Mars and West Allegheny.

You can watch this game on Trib HSSN at 4 p.m.

The other two games in this section Tuesday include Moon at West Allegheny and Shaler hosting New Castle.

Speaking of North Hills and Shaler, their softball teams meet for first place in Section 1-5A Tuesday.

The Indians and Titans are both 1-0 in the section and are a combined 8-1 overall.

The lone loss among them was when North Hills lost to Pine-Richland.

The game at Shaler begins at 4 p.m.

Champs challenged

Half of the defending WPIAL baseball champions are wrapping up key section matchups Tuesday.

Hopewell, the 2023 4A champion, hosts traditional power Blackhawk in Section 1-4A.

Riverside, the 3A district and state champion a year ago, finishes a Section 1-3A series with 2021 WPIAL champion Shenango.

The winner in Class A last season, Bishop Canevin, concludes a Section 3-A battle with Eden Christian Academy.

Love stinks

The 2024 WPIAL boys tennis singles championships begin Tuesday at two sites.

The first round, quarterfinals and semifinals in Class 3A take place at Bethel Park while the first three rounds of the 2A tournament are at North Allegheny.

Junior Adam Memije of Gateway is the top seed in the 3A bracket while junior Severin Harmon of Shady Side Academy is the No. 1 seed and has a bye into the quarterfinals in 2A.

The top two finishers in 3A and the top four in 2A will qualify for the PIAA boys singles tennis state tournament next month.

Tags: North Hills